Book Review

When I started reading, The Confident Heart, I was an overwhelmed, tensed, tired and just getting by gal.  I knew I had a purpose and I was living it - motherhood, leader, wife, woman of God but I was falling short everyday!   When I would read a chapter from the book it was speaking to me.  LOUD & CLEAR!  It was like Renee, the author, was talking to me personally. I would cry, fall to my knees and through it all God always revealed a message to me.  

It's funny how much junk we carry in our hearts without even knowing it.  Even though I was dedicated to my morning time with God I knew it was just to get by.  Kinda like that feeling of having a cup of coffee - you need it in order to survive. That me was me: Surving!  But as I progressed in the book I learned how to be than just a "woman getting by."  He showed me how to be STILL.  Still in my days and not be overworked.  Or to busy for Him.  Busy with schedules, watching tv, ignoring his voice and having a blatant spirit.  Again, I had no idea I was dealing with all of that. 

I want to share a little of what being STILL means to me and I been able to transform my heart/mind.

STILL in my time with Maximus.  Not be on my phone as much and instead embrace our one on one time.  Play, engage, keep it simple and even watch Caillou for the hundredth time.  Especially when the baby comes I know my time will be for the new baby.  It's so easy to get caught up in our phone aka social media.  Also, He showed me to embrace my pregnancy.  Our days are filled and by the end of day I'm able to just relax and bond with baby.   

STILL in my marriage.  Embracing our Love Dare on a daily basis.  Even when my flesh wants to do otherwise. Spend more time together, even if it's enjoying a bowl of ice cream (which we did last night LOL).  Again, it's the simple things. We've been married for nine years and next year we will celebrate our ten year anniversary with a vow renewal.  God has saved our marriage and no better way than celebrating our love!   I never want the butterflies or honeymoon stage to end. So, if having ice-cream or going on a lavish date makes us progress then Lord have your way! 

STILL in Him. Not rushing my praying time.  Listening to his voice and using discernment rather than my gut feeling. Journal my thoughts and prayers.  Simply allow the Holy Spirit to lead me.  

There even times I felt like Mary and Martha. Always working and not feeling recognized.  In reality it was my past insecurities caving in.  Yes, I knew I was appreciated in the home, in my job but instead I was searching for approval in all the wrong places.  Again, see the junk we seem to carry.  BOO!  There is a scripture that changed the whole game plan for me:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest - Matthew 11:28

Me? I was weary and burden?  I can't be if I'm serving in ministry!   It doesn't matter who you are.  How long who been serving God.  It's a given we get tired!  We have the misconception that as Christians we should do it all.  But that's not what God wants.  I know I have to be reminded that God only gives me what I can handle.  He does not want be to be tired, stressed out and weary.  If I am then how am I going to serve Him? 

So, as you see this book taught me plenty and that's OK!  Pastor Steve Hage says we are all messed up!  As harsh as it sounds we are.  That is why we have to learn, grow and keep pushing forward.  Life is made up of all kinds of mountains. I'm trying to get to the top of having a confident heart in Jesus.  Every day I get higher and higher.  That alone is a blessing. 

How do I get to the top? By not overthinking certain situations, making more time to be a mother, making more time to be alone - running has become my time.  I cherish every mile.  When Max is nap time I use that time to read, clean or simply take a nap.   Us mothers need to take a break!  I'm not sure if we deserve it but it's definitely needed.  I don't like to say "we deserve it" because it sounds selfish.  I would rather make time and embrace it...even if it's just taking a shower.  

I'm not saying that this book has me all perfect.  I'm still growing each day.  But what I will say is this book has made me more confident as a mother and woman in Christ.  I want to be able to testify to others what God has done in my life.  He is simply Amazing! 

In conclusion my prayer is that whomever is reading this will be inspired to pick up the book.  It's a great read!  Let it change you for the better.  Grow in The Lord.  Have a heart for Jesus.  Let Him be your confidant.  

Here's an expert from the book that touched me:

In Christ, you are a woman who is becoming all God created you to be.  Trusting in His power and relying on His promises, you are a woman who is growing - a woman who is becoming more like Jesus each day.  A woman who is not perfect but who is surrending to Gods perfect power and love at work in her. 

Ask yourself: WHAT TYPE OF GODLY WOMAN DO I WANT TO BE?

Strong and Fearless ❤️

Coach Alex's 3 Day Refresh

Yesterday I just finished my 3 Day Refresh from Beachbody.  Since I am a Coach and I believe in their products I wanted to do a detox.  Get rid of any toxins that were floating in my body and in my mind.  

Everyone should do a monthly 3 Day Refresh.  Why?  Because some of us like myself enjoy a burger or two, take a pre workout or other supplements or just simply need a cleanse after a weekend celebration.  

As your Coach I'm here to share my experience.  My 1st day was rough because of the shock of not having my normal foods/routine.  Coach Angela encouraged that I take the day off to rest which meant NO GYM!  It was hard to listen but I humbled myself and rested.  I'm glad I did.  Past few days I slept like a baby...crazy to think toxins were affecting my sleep.  Another positive reason to cleanse. 

As each day progressed it got challenging at times.  For instance my workouts weren't as powerful since I was not taking any supplements.  But I just dug deep in my faith and let God strengthen me up.   The meals weren't bad at all.  I'm thankful that Coach Angela did most of it with me - except the supplements that were provided because she is pregnant.  

Speaking of the provided supplements I wasn't sure what to expect.  But it was simply extra fiber, protein and other goodies that body needed or was lacking.   

When I woke up today and realized I lost 3lbs, my AFTER picture showed my hard work, my immune system feels reignited and my spirit is renewed I would DEF do this again.  In fact I'm committing to do it every month.  

This cleanse is only 3 DAYS - you can eat REAL FOODS and you are not depriving yourself.  Yes, you'll go through moments where you are hungry but that is where you can have snacks such as fruits, veggies and healthy fats.  Any cleanse past 3 days is just TORTURE and especially if it's all liquid based.  Always do your research and have a valid reason to cleanse.  Not just because you want to lose weight.  That is always a given.  But let it be a spiritual journey. 

I pray that my testimony inspires you and that you'll join me on the next round.  In fact I be honored to Coach you through your REFRESH!   

Any questions, please message me. 

Spiritual Refresh

Good Morning and Happy Tuesday!

Back to the grind today - yesterday I just rested in God.  Kept thinking, praying for all that has happened and all that is happening.  As you know we are in the process of moving and we are over the moon excited!  But it's more than just our move.  It's like a big spiritual growth spurt is happening!   Past few days I've been praying and they have been so strong. I'm taking more pride in my marriage - really grasping the meaning of LOVE & RESPECT.  Learning to be a better wife and not just by cooking/cleaning.  But more of a wife through God.  Our Love Dare challenge is a big part of it.   This morning Max decided to wake up at 5am and usually I get grumpy but this time I just laid there with him and thought of all the things I am thankful for as a mother and all the things I want to start doing better at as a mother especial with two. It was so relaxing to my spirit.

Everyday I wake up thankful for my life - not because I have a great career or I get to stay home with my children but thankful how God has saved me from the mess I was in and more.   Maybe I'm just simply growing in my faith.  Maybe something big is going to happen. Maybe I'm just appreciating life a little more each day.   I don't know and I'm just going to wait on Him to reveal it to me. 

I happened to open my devotional this morning and it was fitting to how I been feeling: 

Philippians 1:10 says, “I want you to understand what really matters” (NLT).

What matters in your life? Not acquisition. Life is not about the accumulation of things. He who dies with the most toys still dies. 

Life is not about things. It’s about learning how to love. If at the end of your life you’ve got a giant pile of things but you’re estranged from your wife and kids, you’ve missed the purpose! 

Your purpose is not to live for here and now. You’re storing up for eternity! You’re not building a pile on this side of eternity. You’re building into people and relationships that will matter on that side of eternity. You’re living in light of Heaven. 

That last paraphrase really spoke to me because  I'm always sharing the ups and downs in my life with others.  Maybe this big spiritual growth is me continuously being the light to others? Many have asked when we move will I still do bootcamp and online Coaching and my answer is YES!  We are still working on logistics and such.  But don't worry I'm not going anywhere.  

I don't know and I just can't seem to describe my feelings but what I will say is I AM THANKFUL!  Because I want to continue to grow as a wife, mother and woman of God.  I don't ever want to miss the bus with God.  He's my daily strength.  He's given me my two beautiful children.  He's given me my salvation.  He's giving me hope everyday when I feel I just can't do something.  He's my confident!!!

As I close this blog I just want to encourage you - NEVER miss hearing Gods voice. Don't rush your praying time.  Don't just pray when in need - make it a lifestyle.  Grow your faith everyday because it allows you to be a better person.

Philippians 1-9-11 

Amen ❤️